"Cowardice asks the question...is it safe? Expediency asks the question...is it politic? Vanity asks the question...is it popular? But conscience asks the question...is it right? And there comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular but one must take it because it is right." ~Dr. Martin Luther King

Friday, 22 December 2017

They are always asking people or organization with there hands out constantly,"What can we do for you?" How about asking the people who actually work and will be paying for all these lovely gifts what we would like? When I see 3 people and 2 trucks painting 1 fire hydrant, I'm really not too sympathetic with gov't employee issues. Posted by Anonymous to Our Town and Its Business at 21 December 2017 at 11:34

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Thanks for the comment.

Now here's an idea.

Your Mayor and Councillors are all on e-mail.

As you say ,they are always asking what you think about things.

Why don't you write one e-mail ,copy it to each, and tell them what you think of their munificent generosity with your tax dollars.

I have a question on your point about two trucks and 3 people painting one fire hydrant; why do you assume that's not a management matter?

If you recognize how ridiculous it is, why don't you bring it to the attention of your elected representative and ask them for the explanation.

While you're at it ,you might inquire how the half- million dollar software program they bought without consulting the IT Department ,is working out.

Thursday, 7 December 2017

Community College instructors are back at work by order of the Ontario legislature. The long disruptive strike was not about money. It was about security of employment. 70-80% of college faculty work with short term contracts. The settlement partly changes that. Half the contract employees move to permanent status.

They will join the 20-30% already permanent with tax funded Statutary holidays, sick pay, health benefits and membership in the Ontario Municipal Employee Retirement Fund and a dozen other special benefits unknown to workers in the private sector.

They may qualify for a mortgage.

The rest will continue to work alongside with the same responsibility for a reliable full-time program , without security of employment,health benefits, sick pay, paid vacations, pension fund or any of the numerous other employee benefits. In effect ,without equity on the job.

Mortgage availability will still be a problem, as will raising a family.

They provide the public services without equal compensation.

The students supported the striking faculty. Secure employment isn't a dream. Without private

wealth, it's a necessity.

This week, a thirty year employee of the Town of Aurora retired from his job managing the parks.

Starting at eighteen , he grew with the town. Took courses paid by the town. Married, bought a home

raised a family, sent them to university ,sold his home,bought a farm. Now, in a new phase of life ,

he looks forward to leisurely retirement of travel and relaxation.

Such opportunity is not universal in a town work force today. Some have it. Some don't. Logic does not dictate.

Nor in universities, municipalities, LCBO, and numerous other public service agencies.

On the other hand, government keeps expanding services. They travel the Province asking ,what else can the government to provide for you?

In Aurora, Councillors have decided to make elected office, a full-time job with no reference to job description.

What they do not provide for full-time workers, they're ready and willing to take for themselves.